All I have to say is, I've never once had any sort of run-in at an intersection where I chose to proceed. Usually I do a near trackstand and proceed if safe. I've had all sorts of altercations in other scenarios while obeying the law to the letter, never while 'breaking' it in this manner though. I guess it's similar to how the German autobahn is apparently less accident prone than American highways - the freedom of speed makes drivers more aware of their surroundings. They make their own decisions with no hard rules, and are that much safer because of it. That doesn't apply to everything, not by a long shot, but I think in this case it does.